Russell Westbrook has been far from his usual self this NBA season. It was clear that he had to make an adjustment if he wanted to thrive next to James Harden and now that he's been hurt to start the playoffs, he's having quite a tough time to get his legs back under him.
The Houston Rockets upset the Los Angeles Lakers in Game 1 of the Western Conference Semifinals and jumped to an early lead in the series. However, their joy would not last for long as LeBron James and company hit the ground running in Game 2 to even the series with a 117-109 win.
LA was up for as much as 22 points at some point in the first half. Houston rallied back and even took the lead back late in the game, but somehow it seemed like Westbrook constantly found the way to give them the lead right back.
Once again air-balling shots, racking up late-game turnovers, and struggling to get anything going on both ends of the floor, Westbrook finished the game with 10 points (on 15 shots, 1/7 from three, 1/3 from the line), 7 turnovers, and a +/- of -14.
Westbrook even acknowledged at the end of the game that he needs to hit the film room and find out how to be more efficient becausehe's 'just running around right now'. Needless to say, the internet was again merciless to one of the most controversial players of the NBA.
NBA Twitter Destroys Russell Westbrook After Massive Dud Vs. The Lakers
It's still too early to hit the panic button. The series is tied at one win apiece and a player as talented as Russell Westbrook should have no trouble bouncing back. Then again, he must do a better job at reading the game and being humble enough to know when his shot isn't falling. If the Rockets advance, both the Clippers or Nuggets would represent a massive challenge with their strong backcourt defense.
